An individual who attended Mass recently at a parish in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown has tested positive for COVID-19.
The person attended the 5:00 p.m. Mass at Saint Benedict Parish in Johnstown on Saturday, September 26. The individual informed the parish today, and the parish is in the process of notifying parishioners.
A professional cleaning company is deep-cleaning the church today. The parish also sanitizes the building daily.
The normal Mass schedule at Saint Benedict will continue.
In alignment with public health guidelines, Bishop Mark Bartchak continues to direct clergy and parishioners to wear masks at all Masses and to practice physical distancing. The obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains waived until further notice. The Sunday Mass from Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown is broadcast live every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. on WATM ABC 23 and rebroadcast Sundays at 9:00 p.m. on Atlantic Broadband channel 9. Various parishes throughout the diocese offer live or taped Mass broadcasts on their website or social media.
Please join Bishop Bartchak in praying for the individual who tested positive for COVID-19 and for all those affected by the pandemic.
